(Club release) Defenders Matt Reinikka, Macauley King and Sam Jones have joined the Sounders U23 team for the 2017 season. All three players spent time in the 2016 PDL season with the Charlotte Eagles.

Reinikka, from Davidson College, is a veteran Sounder having played through the Sounders U15, U16, U18 and U23 teams. He has held the captain armband for all four teams and took the 2016 season off from the rave green to play for the Charlotte Eagles while doing a college internship during the summer near Davidson. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound central defender is an intense leader who also saw time with the Sounders FC Reserve team during four games in 2014.

“I am extremely excited to return to the Sounders U23 this summer,” said Reinikka. “We have a lot of unfinished business to take care of after reaching the PDL Semifinals two summers ago. It is always an honor to pull on the jersey of my hometown club, and I can’t wait to get going again with such an incredible staff and group of guys.”

Macauley King was recommended by his current college coach Mark McKeever at Young Harris College and played last year for the Charlotte Eagles in the PDL. King is looking for the next challenge on his ascension in the game. King plays outside back but has spent time in the midfield at Young Harris.

Sam Jones, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound central defender, also from Young Harris, brings his impending presence to Seattle after starting and playing in all 18 games in the fall for Young Harris. Jones hails from Cardiff, Wales, and is looking forward to the opportunity with the Sounders U23 team.

“Both Macca and Sam come highly regarded and both have aspirations of the professional level,” said Darren Sawatzky, Sounders U23 Head Coach and General Manager. “We will plug them into the team and work to add to their level so they can chase the dream.”

The Sounders U23 kick off their 2016 campaign with a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixture against OSA FC from Seattle Memorial Stadium on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. The PDL season kicks off for the Sounders U23 squad on May 19 at Bonney Lake high school versus the Portland Timbers U23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and the complete schedule can be found at http://www.soundersu23.com.